Wenger has landed himself a reputation for prudence by refusing to bring in players over £20 million during his Arsenal career, despite the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and, of course, Manchester City raising the transfer bar.

But Wenger says that he would spend as much as he needs to get his man.

"I will pay £30 million I will even pay £40 million if I find the right players,'' he told Sky Sports News. "But it's not a question of money, it's a question of quality we find. I think I have a wrong reputation of not wanting to spend money - I do not want to spend money for average players.

''We are not frightened to spend money when we think it's right. Our fans have more reasons to be proud of this club - the values here, the way the club is run, what the club is built (upon) - than being angry with the club.

"Of course we want to deliver trophies, of course we want to win trophies, who wouldn't want (that)? But we feel we were very close last year and my regret of course is that we didn't do it but we are battling on all fronts and a bit unlucky on all fronts I think."